February 10, 1949 – July 28, 2023
James A. Naughton of Ipswich, MA, formerly of Reading, MA, passed away July 28, 2023, following a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer. Born in Adams, MA, James (Jim) was the son of the late Francis M. Naughton and Kathryn V. (Bradshaw) Naughton. He was the loving husband of Catherine E. Durkin, with whom he shared 46 years of marriage.
Jim grew up in North Adams, MA, and was a 1967 graduate of Drury High School. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in English from Northeastern University and a Master of Arts from the University of Connecticut.
Jim and Catherine (Kay) raised their three children in Reading. He was a dedicated father who was actively involved in his children’s school and athletic events while also managing a career in corporate communications at several investment firms in Boston. Jim retired from Eaton Vance in 2012 and previously held management roles at State Street Research and MFS.
Jim is survived by his wife, Catherine, and his children and their spouses: Elizabeth D. Naughton (James McManus) of Reading, Matthew D. Naughton (Carrie Strasser) of Burlington, MA, and Ellen D. Naughton (Thomas White) of Bow, NH. He leaves seven beloved grandchildren: Catherine, Caroline and Charlotte McManus, Julia and Claire Naughton, and Colin and Connor White.
He is also survived by a brother, Jeffrey Naughton (Christine) of North Adams, and sisters-in-law Beverly Naughton of Pittsfield, MA, and Sandra Shields (David Horan) of Westfield, MA, and by brothers-in-law William Durkin (Lynne) of Middleton, MA, and James Durkin (Suzanne) of Salem, MA. He was predeceased by brothers Richard Naughton and Michael Naughton, and by brother-in-law John Durkin.
Jim was an exceptionally creative person. Artistically, he worked in watercolor and stippling. Jim loved music: he was a trumpet player and especially loved big band music and jazz of the 1930s and 1940s. He had great affection for literature and authored a novel, “The Sins of the Father …and of the Son.” Jim was an ardent traveler who appreciated the merger of history and culture.
The family gratefully acknowledges the care of Dr. Lauren Abbate and the staff of Kaplan House in Danvers.
Visiting hours and a memorial service will be held at Campbell Funeral Home, 525 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA. Visiting hours are Thursday, August 10 from 4:00-7:00 PM. Memorial service is Friday, August 11 at 10:00 AM. Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to The Trustees of Reservations (thetrustees.org) or Care Dimensions Hospice (giving.caredimensions.org or 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923).
